When it comes to warm-weather dressing, you can’t beat a solid pair of shorts. What should you look for when selecting your next pair of shorts? Start by addressing your needs.

If you’re doing something casual like going to a picnic or spending the day at the beach or music festival, a pair of cotton shorts or even cutoffs may be your best bet, as they’re stylish and easy to wash, should you need to. J.Crew and Madewell produce cotton shorts in an array of colorways, and The Gap and Urban Outfitters have a huge array of stylish cutoff shorts—some even with boho-looking fringe details—to choose from. Cutoffs look best when paired with strappy sandals or of-the-moment sneakers like Converse.

For something more party-ready, try buying a pair of leather shorts. You can wear them with long-sleeve blouses for cocktail hours and evenings out, and you also have the option of toning down the vibrato of leather by throwing on a structured menswear-inspired blazer. Leather shorts in particular look great over opaque tights, too, so if the temperatures start to dip and you don’t want to bare your legs, you can style your leather shorts over dark stockings.

Lauren Ralph Lauren's sophisticated short features a classic allover striped pattern, a relaxed silhouette and flattering shaping darts at the back waist. Polyester; lining: polyester. Machine washable. Imported. Sits at the natural waist. Belt loops. Zip fly with a buttoned closure. Angled welt pockets at the front. Buttoned besom pocket at the back right. Besom pocket at the back left. Darts at the back waist. Fully lined. Approximate inseam: 7 inches.

As seen in Shape magazine. ELLE Styling Tip: The secret to making a daring statement? Take risks by mixing and matching your favorite textures, fabrics or prints—it’s all in the styling. A luxurious take on the of-the-moment athletic trend, this faux-leather short ushers in a chic sensibility. Pair it with airy silhouettes for effortlessly on-trend style. Faux-leather short. Mid-rise, sits at hip. Two front pockets. Elasticized waistband with drawstring closure. Silver-tone hardware. 2.25" inseam. Shell: 100% Polyurethane. Lining: 100% Polyester. Hand wash. Imported.

Crafted from bright orange fabric, the Women's Mini Shorts by AnhHa are adorned with an all over embroidered metallic bead pattern in the shape of flowers. With two front slip pockets, one back pocket and a zip and button closure to the front. K.D. Size Small Measures: Waist 36cm, Front Rise 25.5cm. 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex.

A flattering stretch fit and sexy high rise make these shorts an all-day essential. Wear them casually on weekends or dress them up after dark for a look that's polished and on trend. Stretch woven shorts. High rise, sits at natural waist. Two hip pockets plus two back pockets. Belt loops. Zip fly with dual hook-and-eye closures. 2.25" inseam. 79% Rayon, 18% Nylon, 3% Spandex. Machine wash.

Combining the glamour of red-carpet embellishment with sportswear silhouettes, this spring’s collection from Ashish is packed with effortless pieces that are tailor made for Fashion week. Perfect for the Summer, these jewel and sequin embellished denim shorts are the epitome of the designer's approach to casual glamour. Button fastening and front zip. Belt loops. Two side pockets. Distressed patches. Hand embroidered in India.

Leather shorts have become a wardrobe essential and this typically minimal pair from Acne will inject some Scandinavian cool directly into your wardrobe. Pair yours with basic pieces to keep the understated Northern European style running through your outfit. Ribbed and elasticated waistband. Side pockets.

This year culottes became a must-have in any wardrobe - pair this black lace pair from MSGM with a tucked in structured top to emphasise the voluminous leg. Elasticated waistband. Side pockets. Partially lined. Made in Italy.

A flattering stretch fit and sexy high rise make these shorts an all-day essential. Wear them casually on weekends or dress them up after dark for a look that's polished and on trend. Stretch woven shorts. High rise, sits at natural waist. Two hip pockets plus two back pockets. Belt loops. Zip fly with dual hook-and-eye closures. 2.25" inseam. 79% Rayon, 18% Nylon, 3% Spandex. Machine wash.

The military trend is a must for spring, making these shorts the ultimate need-now pair. The durable construction and cargo details deliver an off-duty look that's perfect for weekends under the sun. Cargo shorts. Medium rise, sits at hips. Button-tab detail at waist and hems. Two hip pockets plus two back flap pockets and two front flap details. Belt loops. Cuffed hem. Zip fly with button closure. 2.75" inseam. 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex. Machine wash.

The military trend is a must for spring, making these shorts the ultimate need-now pair. The durable construction and cargo details deliver an off-duty look that's perfect for weekends under the sun. Cargo shorts. Medium rise, sits at hips. Button-tab detail at waist and hems. Two hip pockets plus two back flap pockets and two front flap details. Belt loops. Cuffed hem. Zip fly with button closure. 2.75" inseam. 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex. Machine wash.

The military trend is a must for spring, making these shorts the ultimate need-now pair. The durable construction and cargo details deliver an off-duty look that's perfect for weekends under the sun. Cargo shorts. Medium rise, sits at hips. Button-tab detail at waist and hems. Two hip pockets plus two back flap pockets and two front flap details. Belt loops. Cuffed hem. Zip fly with button closure. 2.75" inseam. 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex. Machine wash.

Merging streetwear with Italian fabrics, Rick Owen's wool shorts are the perfect way to work Rick Owen's celebrated aesthetic this spring and summer. Elasticated waistband. Side pockets. Dropped crotch. Pleated front. Made in Italy.

With a slightly baggy fit, the Joseph Women's Savile Satin Wash Shorts in black are crafted from soft silk with crisp creases to the front and back. Featuring side pockets, belt loops and a zip and hook fastening to the front. K.D. Pure Silk.